Ministry of Justice Clarifies Scope of Amnesty Law

On October 29, 2026, Piyasiri Wattanavarangkul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, addressed public concerns regarding the implementation of the Social Harmony Act B.E. 2569. Serving as the chairman of the screening subcommittee, he clarified that the amnesty process is designed to cover all political protest-related cases, regardless of the individual's background or political affiliation. This includes youth protesters involved in the Ratsadon movement as well as former government officials. The statement was made in response to media speculation focusing on the petition filed by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The Ministry stressed that the subcommittee is committed to a fair and standardized review process, ensuring that all applicants are treated equally under the law. For residents and visitors, this development signals an ongoing effort to address historical political grievances through formal legal channels. While the government maintains that the process is inclusive and transparent, the specific outcomes for individual applicants remain subject to the subcommittee's ongoing review. Further details regarding the timeline for these decisions and the specific criteria for eligibility are expected to be clarified as the committee continues its work.